Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • UAE flights: Air Arabia starts daily flights between Sharjah and Krabi in Thailand

    UAE flights: Air Arabia starts daily flights between Sharjah and Krabi in Thailand

    Sharjah-based budget carrier Air Arabia has officially launched daily nonstop flights between Sharjah International Airport and Krabi, Thailand, marking a significant expansion of its Southeast Asian network. The inaugural flight departed on November 28, 2025, receiving an official welcome in Krabi attended by Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phipat Ratchakitprakarn alongside senior airline and airport officials.

    This new route establishes the third Thai destination in Air Arabia’s network from Sharjah, complementing existing services to Bangkok and Phuket. The addition provides enhanced connectivity between the United Arab Emirates and Thailand’s renowned southern coastal province, known for its exceptional natural attractions including pristine beaches, coral reefs, and dramatic limestone formations.

    Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, characterized the launch as a milestone in the airline’s regional expansion strategy. “This new daily service offers our customers greater convenience and strengthens the growing travel and trade links between the UAE and Thailand,” Al Ali stated. The executive emphasized that the route provides travelers with increased accessibility to one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations.

    Passengers aboard Air Arabia’s modern Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft will experience the carrier’s value-added amenities including ‘SkyTime’ complimentary in-flight streaming service and ‘SkyCafe’ onboard menu offerings. The airline’s regional loyalty program, ‘Air Rewards’, extends additional benefits to frequent flyers.

    Travelers can now access complete flight schedules and booking options through Air Arabia’s official website, contact center, or authorized travel agents. The new service responds to growing demand for travel between the Gulf region and Southeast Asia, particularly to Thailand’s southern resort destinations beyond the established hubs of Bangkok and Phuket.

  • ‘Heroic’: Philippine helper survives Hong Kong fire, hailed by government

    ‘Heroic’: Philippine helper survives Hong Kong fire, hailed by government

    In a remarkable display of courage amid one of Hong Kong’s deadliest residential fires in over seven decades, a newly arrived Filipina domestic worker has been nationally recognized for her heroic actions. Rhodora ‘Jackie’ Alcaraz, aged 28, successfully safeguarded her employer’s three-month-old infant and elderly mother while trapped within a smoke-engulfed apartment at Wang Fuk Court, mere hours after commencing her duties.

    The catastrophic blaze, which claimed at least 151 lives and left over 40 individuals missing, occurred last Wednesday. Among the confirmed fatalities are nine Indonesian domestic workers and one Filipino, highlighting the significant vulnerability of migrant workers in high-density urban environments.

    Alcaraz’s harrowing experience unfolded through panicked audio messages sent to her sister during the incident, which subsequently circulated widely across social media as relatives and former employers desperately sought information on her whereabouts. In these recordings, she expressed extreme physical distress, stating, ‘I’m feeling very weak. I can’t breathe,’ between sobs.

    Her valiant efforts have drawn commendation from highest levels of the Philippine government. Senator Imee Marcos, sister of the nation’s president, personally visited Alcaraz in hospital, proclaiming on social media: ‘I salute you, Rhodora, and all overseas foreign workers who continue to sacrifice for their families even while far from home.’ The government’s Overseas Workers Welfare Administration further celebrated her as ‘a true modern-day hero and a model of compassion and courage of Filipinos in a foreign land.’

    This incident has intensified focus on the critical yet often undervalued contributions of Hong Kong’s estimated 368,000 foreign domestic helpers, who constitute nearly ten percent of the city’s workforce. Primarily originating from the Philippines and Indonesia, with growing numbers from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand, these workers frequently endure cramped living conditions and modest wages while providing essential caregiving services in one of the world’s most expensive cities.

    Alcaraz’s personal narrative reflects broader socioeconomic patterns driving overseas employment. Hailing from a family of eight siblings with a fisherman father, she previously worked two years in Qatar before transitioning to Hong Kong in pursuit of better remuneration to support her family. Her former employer, Rhoda Lynn Dayo, attested to her exceptional dedication, noting: ‘The way she cared for the kids was different — there was real love… I don’t doubt that she would put her life on the line for the child she was caring for.’

    Following rescue operations, Alcaraz, the infant, and the elderly woman were all hospitalized. While the helper has been discharged, the other two remain under intensive care in stable condition, according to employer Kanon Chung’s social media updates.

  • Sons of Pakistan’s jailed Imran Khan voice fears for his safety

    Sons of Pakistan’s jailed Imran Khan voice fears for his safety

    The sons of Pakistan’s incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan have escalated their concerns regarding his welfare, expressing grave fears that authorities might be concealing critical information about his condition. With over three weeks passing without verifiable evidence of Khan’s wellbeing, the family alleges a deliberate campaign of isolation that amounts to psychological torture.

    Kasim Khan, one of Imran Khan’s sons, revealed to Reuters that the family has been denied all direct contact despite existing judicial orders mandating weekly visitation rights. The complete communication blackout has prevented any independent confirmation of the former leader’s health status or even his current whereabouts within the prison system.

    The situation has been further complicated by persistent rumors regarding Khan’s potential transfer to a higher-security detention facility and the ongoing blockade of court-ordered medical examinations. Khan’s personal physician has been barred from conducting any health assessments for more than a year, raising additional concerns about potential deterioration in the 72-year-old’s physical condition.

    Pakistan’s Interior Ministry has remained silent on these allegations, while an anonymous jail official claimed Khan remains in good health and denied knowledge of any planned facility transfer. However, the family maintains that the information vacuum suggests possible serious developments being withheld from public knowledge.

    Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 following multiple convictions that his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), characterizes as politically motivated maneuvers to eliminate him from public life and electoral politics. The cases include his conviction for allegedly illegally selling state gifts received during his tenure (the Toshakhana case), a 10-year sentence for leaking a diplomatic cable, and a 14-year term in a corruption case related to the Al Qadir Trust charity.

    The media blackout surrounding Khan has been particularly severe, with television networks reportedly instructed to avoid using his name or image. This has left a single grainy courtroom photograph as the only visual evidence of his existence since his imprisonment began.

    Kasim and his brother Suleiman Isa Khan, who reside in London with their mother Jemima Goldsmith, have typically maintained distance from Pakistan’s political landscape but have now become vocal advocates for their father’s welfare. They describe their last meeting with Khan in November 2022, following an assassination attempt, as a memory that now carries ominous significance given the current absence of verified information.

    The family is now pursuing multiple avenues for intervention, including appeals to international human rights organizations, while demanding the immediate restoration of court-ordered access and independent medical oversight. They characterize the situation not merely as a political dispute but as an urgent human rights crisis requiring global attention.

  • Global content creators discover Hangzhou’s tech magic

    Global content creators discover Hangzhou’s tech magic

    A diverse delegation of global content creators hailing from Australia, Nepal, Iraq, and Morocco recently concluded an immersive exploration of Hangzhou, the provincial capital of Zhejiang in Eastern China. Their mission was to witness firsthand the city’s remarkable integration of advanced technology into urban life and natural environments, offering a tangible preview of future technological applications.

    The expedition commenced at the Wensan Future Science Technology Experience Center, where participants engaged with a suite of interactive innovations. They tested state-of-the-art VR gaming systems, experimented with augmented reality through AR glasses, and interacted with sophisticated AI-powered robots designed for companionship and assistance.

    The technological showcase continued in Shuangpu Town, where the creators observed agile quadruped robots demonstrating unprecedented mobility by effortlessly navigating staircases and complex terrain. This display of biomechanical engineering highlighted significant advancements in robotic locomotion and stability.

    Subsequently, the journey proceeded to Yunqi Town, a recognized hub for China’s digital economy. Here, the group gained insights into the ecosystem driving technological innovation and participated in a breathtaking 3D flight simulation that provided a digital aerial tour of the iconic West Lake. The final segment at Tongjian Lake illustrated the harmonious synergy between digital infrastructure and ecological preservation, showcasing intelligent systems that manage environmental conservation alongside urban development.

  • Harbin launches book detailing Unit 731 crimes evidence

    Harbin launches book detailing Unit 731 crimes evidence

    Harbin has witnessed the official launch of a groundbreaking publication that meticulously documents the atrocities committed by Japan’s notorious Unit 731 during World War II. The book, titled ‘Evidence of Unit 731,’ was introduced during a solemn ceremony held at the Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crimes Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army on Friday, December 1, 2025.

    Authored by Liu Shuliang with academic guidance from Jin Chengmin, curator of the memorial hall, the publication represents a significant contribution to historical preservation. The work was initially published by Heilongjiang Education Press on August 25 to coincide with the 80th anniversary commemorations of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945).

    The book employs an innovative ‘puzzle of evidence’ narrative structure, utilizing the historical site of Unit 731’s former headquarters and the exhibition hall as central narrative spaces. This methodological approach systematically reconstructs the complete chronology of the unit’s activities, including its establishment, implementation of brutal human experimentation programs, deployment of biological warfare tactics, and subsequent attempts to destroy evidence following Japan’s wartime defeat.

    This comprehensive documentation serves multiple purposes: establishing an authoritative historical record, preserving collective memory, and promoting peace education through factual accounting of historical events. The publication emerges as an essential scholarly resource for understanding one of the most disturbing chapters in modern warfare history, ensuring that future generations remain informed about the consequences of militaristic aggression and the importance of humanitarian values.

  • UAE sends rescue team, essential aid to Sri Lanka after deadly floods and landslides

    UAE sends rescue team, essential aid to Sri Lanka after deadly floods and landslides

    In a swift humanitarian response to catastrophic flooding and landslides in Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates has mobilized comprehensive emergency assistance. The initiative, coordinated through the Joint Operations Command, UAE Aid Agency, and Emirates Red Crescent, represents a significant international relief effort following extreme weather conditions that have devastated multiple districts.

    Specialized search and rescue teams from Abu Dhabi Civil Defence are currently operating in the most severely affected regions, conducting critical life-saving operations. Simultaneously, the UAE is delivering essential supplies including food, medical provisions, and shelter materials to displaced families whose homes have been partially or completely destroyed.

    The scale of the disaster is substantial, with official reports indicating at least 355 fatalities and over 366 individuals still unaccounted for. The calamity has disrupted normal life for more than one million residents across several districts, creating an urgent need for international support.

    This emergency intervention reflects the UAE’s established policy of providing immediate humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities worldwide during crises. The Gulf nation has committed to ongoing support, with additional shipments of aid and shelter materials en route to assist in recovery and stabilization efforts. The comprehensive approach includes not only immediate relief but also support for longer-term recovery operations in partnership with local authorities.

  • Visa-free entry announced for Saudi, Russian citizens in both countries

    Visa-free entry announced for Saudi, Russian citizens in both countries

    In a landmark diplomatic development, Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation have formally established a mutual visa exemption program for their citizens. This unprecedented agreement marks Russia as the first nation worldwide to receive visa-free access for ordinary passport holders traveling to the Kingdom.

    The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the accord as a significant enhancement of bilateral relations between these “brotherly and friendly countries.” The arrangement permits citizens from both nations to enter each other’s territories without visas for purposes including tourism, business engagements, and family visits. Travelers may remain for durations of up to 90 consecutive days or accumulate 90 days through multiple visits within a single calendar year.

    This diplomatic breakthrough is projected to generate substantial opportunities across multiple sectors, including tourism expansion, economic collaboration, cultural exchanges, and strengthened people-to-people connections. The agreement reflects both nations’ commitment to facilitating international mobility while fostering deeper geopolitical ties.

    Important limitations remain in effect: citizens intending to work, pursue educational opportunities, perform Hajj pilgrimages, or establish residency must still obtain appropriate visas. This clarification maintains regulatory oversight for long-term stays while enabling short-term mobility.

    The visa waiver program emerges alongside Saudi Arabia’s recent immigration policy adjustments, including a 30-day grace period extension for visit visa holders requiring legal departure from the Kingdom. This parallel development demonstrates the nation’s progressive approach to international travel administration and border management.

  • China breaks ‘foreign technological monopolies’ with carbon fiber production line

    China breaks ‘foreign technological monopolies’ with carbon fiber production line

    China has achieved a significant technological milestone with the successful launch of its T1000 carbon fiber production line in Datong, Shanxi Province. This groundbreaking facility, which commenced operations on Sunday, represents a crucial advancement in China’s capability for large-scale manufacturing of high-performance carbon materials—a substance often referred to as the ‘monarch of novel materials.’

    The demonstration production line, with an annual capacity of 200 tons for 12K small tow T1000 carbon fiber, initiated construction in June 2024. This project constitutes the initial phase of a comprehensive high-performance carbon fiber initiative spearheaded by Shanxi Huayang Carbon Material Technology. The enterprise emerged from a strategic collaboration between Huayang New Material Technology Group, the municipal government of Datong, and the Institute of Coal Chemistry under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

    According to Director Fang Yitian of the Institute of Coal Chemistry, this achievement effectively dismantles long-standing international technological monopolies while reinforcing the security and robustness of China’s supply chain for essential materials. High-performance carbon fiber stands as a priority within China’s strategic emerging industries, serving as both the lifeblood and vanguard for sophisticated high-tech applications, advanced defense technologies, and the global transformation of conventional industries.

    Technical specifications reveal the extraordinary properties of T1000 carbon fiber: with a single filament diameter measuring merely 6 to 7 micrometers—less than one-tenth the width of a human hair—it exhibits a tensile strength surpassing 6400 MPa. Despite having a density equivalent to one-quarter that of steel, its strength exceeds steel’s by more than fivefold. A practical illustration demonstrates that a one-meter strand of Huayang’s T1000 carbon fiber, weighing only 0.5 grams, can sustain a load of 200 kilograms. The material additionally demonstrates exceptional resistance to high temperatures and corrosion, maintaining chemical inertness in both acidic and alkaline conditions, while offering superior thermal and electrical conductivity.

    These characteristics render it invaluable across diverse sectors including national defense, aerospace, rail transportation, and the emerging low-altitude economy. Industry experts note its extensive potential applications in wind turbine blade manufacturing and high-performance sports equipment.

    Project academic leader Lü Chunxiang, simultaneously a researcher at the Institute of Coal Chemistry, affirmed that China has attained comprehensive domestic supply security for high-end carbon fiber alongside self-sufficiency in technological innovation. His team previously overcame the challenges of aerospace-grade T300 carbon fiber production in 2008, positioning China as the third nation globally—after Japan and the United States—to master this technology. The T800 carbon fiber developed by his team was utilized in bobsleds and helmets for Chinese athletes during the Beijing Winter Olympics.

    Reflecting on the development journey, Lü acknowledged initial obstacles, recalling how foreign corporations dominated both carbon fiber technology and markets back in 2003. Today, Shanxi has evolved into an essential supply base for high-end carbon fiber applications within China.

    Huayang New Material Technology Group General Manager Wang Dali committed to intensifying market orientation, maintaining integrated progress in technological and industrial innovation, and deepening focus on T1000 carbon fiber to develop competitive, market-valued high-tech products.

    Datong Mayor Liu Junyi characterized the project as not merely a milestone but a transformative breakthrough for the high-quality development of Datong’s new material industry. He anticipates the initiative will accelerate the growth of associated sectors within Datong, including high-end equipment manufacturing and new energy storage, while attracting numerous upstream and downstream supporting enterprises to establish operations in the city.

  • Israel’s Ben Gvir promotes head of unit involved in executing two Palestinians

    Israel’s Ben Gvir promotes head of unit involved in executing two Palestinians

    In a move drawing international condemnation, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has promoted the commander of an undercover Border Police unit implicated in the fatal shooting of two unarmed Palestinian men in the occupied West Bank. The incident, captured on video in Jenin’s Abu Dhahir neighborhood, shows Al-Muntasir Abdullah, 26, and Yousef Asasa, 37, emerging from a building with raised arms and lifted shirts—clear gestures of surrender—before being executed at point-blank range. Despite the Israeli military and police jointly admitting to the shootings and launching an investigation, Ben Gvir advanced the commander to the rank of colonel days later. A police source claimed the promotion was pre-approved two weeks prior by senior command, requiring Ben Gvir’s endorsement. The United Nations rights office denounced the killings as “summary executions,” while Ben Gvir visited the unit’s base to “embrace the heroic fighters” and vowed to halt investigations into Palestinians he labels “terrorists.” This occurs amid a UN Committee Against Torture report condemning Israel’s “organized and widespread” use of torture, exacerbated since the Gaza war began on October 7, 2023. Israeli forces have killed over 1,000 Palestinians in the West Bank in two years, with military investigations rarely leading to prosecutions.

  • UN delegation praises UAE field hospital in Gaza for humanitarian efforts

    UN delegation praises UAE field hospital in Gaza for humanitarian efforts

    A high-level United Nations delegation conducted an extensive evaluation of the United Arab Emirates’ field medical facility in the Gaza Strip, expressing profound admiration for its comprehensive humanitarian operations. The delegation, headed by Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Palestinian territories, thoroughly examined the hospital’s continuous 24/7 emergency medical services and trauma care capabilities for wounded civilians.

    The inspection extended beyond medical facilities to include operational warehouses supporting Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, where delegates received detailed briefings on logistical coordination, equipment management, and distribution mechanisms ensuring efficient aid delivery to vulnerable populations. The delegation observed sophisticated preparation processes designed to maximize humanitarian impact while minimizing operational bottlenecks.

    Dr. Alakbarov particularly emphasized the UAE’s innovative approach to holistic humanitarian support, highlighting the recently organized mass wedding ceremony as an exemplary initiative that provides psychological relief and emotional restoration amidst ongoing adversity. He characterized the UAE’s multifaceted assistance program as representing an advanced paradigm in humanitarian crisis response that effectively addresses both immediate physical needs and longer-term community resilience.

    The UN coordinator further noted that the UAE’s sustained commitment to alleviating civilian suffering establishes a benchmark for international humanitarian solidarity, combining emergency medical response with strategic vision to foster hope and stability within conflict-affected communities.